Questions: Which molecules have the strongest intermolecular forces?
BF3
H2S
NH3
H2
Transcript text: Which molecules have the strongest intermolecular forces?
BF3
H2S
NH3
H2
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify Types of Intermolecular Forces
To determine which molecule has the strongest intermolecular forces, we need to identify the types of intermolecular forces present in each molecule:
BF\(_3\): Boron trifluoride is a nonpolar molecule. The primary intermolecular force is London dispersion forces.
H\(_2\)S: Hydrogen sulfide is a polar molecule. It exhibits dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces.
NH\(_3\): Ammonia is a polar molecule and can form hydrogen bonds due to the presence of nitrogen bonded to hydrogen. It also has dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces.
H\(_2\): Hydrogen is a nonpolar molecule. The primary intermolecular force is London dispersion forces.
Step 2: Compare Strength of Intermolecular Forces
The strength of intermolecular forces can be ranked as follows:
Hydrogen bonding (strongest)
Dipole-dipole interactions
London dispersion forces (weakest)
Step 3: Determine the Molecule with the Strongest Intermolecular Forces
Among the given molecules, NH\(_3\) (ammonia) is the only one capable of hydrogen bonding, which is the strongest type of intermolecular force. Therefore, NH\(_3\) has the strongest intermolecular forces among the listed molecules.